Gynaecology is the branch of medicine that deals with the female reproductive system. It covers a range of topics including menstrual and menopausal issues, fertility, contraception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Gynaecologists are specialists who diagnose and treat conditions related to the female reproductive system.
Conditions and Treatments: There are a variety of conditions that can affect the female reproductive system, ranging from minor irritations to life-threatening diseases. Some of the common conditions that gynaecologists diagnose and treat include:
- Menstrual Disorders: These include conditions such as heavy bleeding, irregular periods, painful periods, and absence of periods.
- Menopause: Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, and can be accompanied by a range of symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
- Infertility: Infertility affects many couples and can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, blocked fallopian tubes, and sperm abnormalities.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age. It can cause a range of symptoms including irregular periods, weight gain, and acne.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs are common bacterial infections that affect the urinary tract. They are more common in women than in men, and can cause symptoms such as burning during urination and frequent urination.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs are infections that are spread through sexual contact. Some of the common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
In addition to diagnosing and treating these conditions, gynaecologists also provide a range of services to help women maintain their reproductive health. These services include:
- Contraception: Gynaecologists can provide advice on different types of contraception, including condoms, the pill, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and sterilization.
- Pregnancy Care: Gynaecologists provide care during pregnancy, including prenatal screening, monitoring, and delivery.
- Menopause Management: Gynaecologists can provide guidance and support to women going through menopause, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and lifestyle changes.
- Screening: Gynaecologists can perform screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and other reproductive health issues.
- Surgery: Gynaecologists can perform a range of surgeries related to the female reproductive system, including hysterectomies, laparoscopies, and other minimally invasive procedures.
Gynaecology is a vital field of medicine that deals with the female reproductive system. Gynaecologists diagnose and treat a range of conditions, and provide a range of services to help women maintain their reproductive health. If you have concerns about your reproductive health, it is important to see a gynaecologist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Join us on the 20th March at the Moonshot Centre Angus Street London SE14 6LU for our Time to Talk: Exploring Gynaecology event!
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Meet the Time to Talk Speakers!
Ninma Sheshi
Ninma works as a project manager in healthcare and has volunteered with the LSL team for the past four years across a wide variety of responsibilities. Her experience in sexual reproductive health has focused on Black, Asian and other ethnic groups within South London spanning over community outreach programmes and events, including but not limited to interviewing Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah author of The Sex Lives of African Women on the importance of discussing sexual health, networking with relevant religious communities, contributing to the production of public facing communications and consulting on organisational strategy for projects across workstreams.
Dr Stacey Bryan
Dr Stacey Bryan is an Obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar, subspecialising in Gynaecology Oncology (the surgical treatment of Women’s Cancers). She obtained her undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science (BSc) and Medicine (MBBS), at St George’s University of London in 2008, and membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) in 2015. She has been working in her specialty for over 12 years. She has undertaken research into HPV and prevention and early detection of Cervical Cancers and was awarded a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) from the Institute of Women’s Health at University College London (UCL) in May 2022. Her work has led to publications and presentations at both national and international conferences. Dr Bryan is the Vice Chair of the British Caribbean Doctors and Dentists Association (BCDD), a role which allows her to actively be an example to, and raise the aspirations of, the younger generation. She is also an advocate for health awareness and literacy in the community. She works closely with charities and community organisations to provide education surrounding women’s health, particularly to those marginalised in society.
Rebecca Mbewe
Rebecca is a mentor, speaker, trainer and researcher. She has longstanding experience of working within the HIV sector working in community engagement around living with HIV and Pregnancy, Ageing with HIV and other issues including Stigma and how it affects people living with HIV. Rebecca is a co-director for 4M Mentor Mothers Network CIC (4mmm.org), which offers mentoring, support and training for women living with HIV going through the perinatal journey. She has recently joined Queen Mary University as a research assistant and is also an associate of the Salamander Trust, which aims to protect, promote and enhance the health and rights of people marginalised by societies worldwide as a result of their gender, HIV status or sexual and reproductive health issues, some of the issues Rebecca is passionate about.